Modular edge patching system

Abstract

The disclosed angled modular edge patching system is configured to be mounted to a ceiling, furniture or wall, facilitate cable management functions and enhance space utilization. The disclosed angled modular edge patching system including a patch panel element and a base, which are configured to be releasably engaged.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A modular patch panel assembly comprising:
 a. a first patch panel element including:
 i. a first surface defining a top or bottom surface of the first patch panel element, and two opposing sidewalls including an interior surface and an exterior surface, and 
 ii. at least one opening configured to receive at least one connector; 
 
 b. a first base including:
 i. a second surface defining a top surface or a bottom surface of the first base, and two opposing sidewalls including an interior surface and an exterior surface, and 
 ii. a protuberance extending outwardly from each of the sidewalls and including an engagement feature, 
 
 wherein the first patch panel element is releasably engaged with the engagement features of the protuberances to form a first modular patch panel assembly; and 
 wherein in the releasably engaged configuration, the first surface of the first patch panel element defines a top or bottom exposed surface of the first modular patch panel assembly, and the second surface of the first base defines an opposing top or bottom exposed surface of the first modular patch panel assembly. 
 
     
     
       2. The modular patch panel of  claim 1 , wherein the patch panel element is slidably engaged with the base. 
     
     
       3. The modular patch panel of  claim 1 , wherein the patch panel element is configured to receive six linearly aligned connectors. 
     
     
       4. The modular patch panel of  claim 1 , wherein the protuberances are partially angled with respect to each other. 
     
     
       5. The modular patch panel of  claim 1 , further comprising a plate configured to engage with at least two modular patch panel assemblies. 
     
     
       6. The modular patch panel of  claim 5 , wherein the protuberance of the first modular patch panel assembly is configured to be mounted in close proximity with the protuberance of an adjacent modular patch panel assembly. 
     
     
       7. The modular patch panel of  claim 1 , wherein the two opposing side walls of the patch panel element are substantially parallel in part. 
     
     
       8. The modular patch panel of  claim 1 , wherein the two opposing side walls of the patch panel element are angled relative to each other at least in part. 
     
     
       9. The modular patch panel of  claim 1 , wherein the two opposing side walls of the patch panel element include features that releasably engage the base. 
     
     
       10. The modular patch panel of  claim 1 , wherein the patch panel element directly or indirectly interfaces with at least one of a connector and a cable. 
     
     
       11. The modular patch panel of  claim 1 , wherein the patch panel element includes one or more releasable locking features that function to semi-permanently lock the patch panel element relative to the base. 
     
     
       12. The modular patch panel of  claim 11 , wherein the one or more releasable locking features includes an L-shaped channel that includes a detent associated with the exterior of the patch panel element. 
     
     
       13. The modular patch panel of  claim 1 , wherein the patch panel element is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of a plastic and a metal. 
     
     
       14. The modular patch panel of  claim 1 , wherein the base is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of a plastic and a metal. 
     
     
       15. The modular patch panel of  claim 1 , wherein the patch panel element and the base are fabricated from the same material. 
     
     
       16. The modular patch panel of  claim 1 , wherein the protuberances extend from the second surface of the first base and are configured to rotationally move or flex relative to the second surface to disengage the first patch panel element from the first base. 
     
     
       17. A modular patch panel system, comprising:
 a first modular patch panel assembly including:
 (i) a first patch panel element including (a) a first surface defining a top or bottom surface of the first patch panel element, and two opposing sidewalls including an interior surface and an exterior surface, and (b) at least one opening configured to receive at least one connector; and 
 (ii) a first base including (a) a second surface defining a top surface or a bottom surface of the first base, and two opposing sidewalls including an interior surface and an exterior surface, and (b) a protuberance extending outwardly from each of the sidewalls and including an engagement feature;
 wherein the first patch panel element is releasably engaged with the engagement features of the protuberances of the first base to form the first modular patch panel assembly; 
 
 
 a second modular patch panel assembly including:
 (i) a second patch panel element including (a) a first surface defining a top or bottom surface of the second patch panel element, and two opposing sidewalls including an interior surface and an exterior surface, and (b) at least one opening configured to receive at least one connector; and 
 (ii) a second base including (a) a second surface defining a top surface or a bottom surface of the first base, and two opposing sidewalls including an interior surface and an exterior surface, and (b) a protuberance extending outwardly from each of the sidewalls and including an engagement feature;
 wherein the second patch panel element is releasably engaged with the engagement features of the protuberances of the second base to form the second modular patch panel assembly; and 
 
 
 a plate; 
 wherein in the releasably engaged configuration, the first surface of the first patch panel element and the first surface of the second patch panel element each define a top or bottom exposed surface of the respective first and second modular patch panel assemblies, and the second surface of the first base and the second surface of the second base each define an opposing top or bottom exposed surface of the respective first and second modular patch panel assemblies; and 
 wherein the first base of the first modular patch panel assembly and the second base of the second modular patch panel assembly are configured to releasably engage with the plate. 
 
     
     
       18. The modular patch panel system of  claim 17 , wherein the protuberance of the first modular patch panel assembly is configured to be mounted in close proximity with the protuberance of the adjacent second modular patch panel assembly. 
     
     
       19. The modular patch panel system of  claim 17 , wherein the first and second modular patch panel assemblies are angularly positioned relative to each other such that a front surface of the first modular patch panel assembly is nonplanar with a front surface of the second modular patch panel assembly.